Development Engineer I
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
Rocket Lab is on a mission to redefine space exploration, and we’re looking for a Development Engineer I to join our In-Space Propulsion (ISP) Team. If you’re passionate about solving tough engineering challenges, working hands-on with cutting-edge technology, and contributing to groundbreaking missions like NASA’s ESCAPADE to Mars, this is your chance to make an impact.
ABOUT THE TEAM:
The ISP team is at the forefront of developing and delivering flight-ready propulsion systems for space vehicles. From system-level ownership to component-level innovation, we design, build, and test propulsion systems that power humanity’s exploration of the cosmos.
Our past successes include the Curie and HyperCurie engines, and we’re currently developing the propulsion system for ESCAPADE, a NASA mission to Mars. Collaboration is key, and we work closely with teams across Rocket Lab, including GNC, Manufacturing Engineering, Flight Software, and more.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
As a Development Engineer I, you’ll play a critical role in the upkeep and development of spacecraft propulsion systems. You’ll work alongside talented engineers, technicians, and analysts to deliver high-quality products that meet mission requirements. From hands-on testing to detailed design work, you’ll be involved in every stage of the development lifecycle.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
- Own the propulsion design, engineering BOM, manufacturing communication, testing requirements, and lifecycle maintenance of propulsion systems.
- Build, test, and integrate sensitive hardware alongside technicians and engineers.
- Interface with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and operation of propulsion systems.
- Create and review technical documents, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
- Plan and execute long-term projects, raising support requests and escalating blockers as needed.
- Identify risks, escalate appropriately, and contribute to mitigation strategies.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Strong sense of ownership and rigorous thinking
- Curiosity and eagerness to learn
- Excellent grasp of mechanical engineering fundamentals
- Hands-on experience building or testing mechanical or electromechanical components/systems
- Proven track record of delivering successful engineering projects from conception to operation
- 1+ years of industry experience
- Engineering degree
Desirable Skills & Experience:
- Experience with rocket engines, fluid components (e.g., regulators, valves), or spacecraft propulsion systems
- Expertise in one or more of the following:
- Test planning, execution, data analysis, and reporting
- Detailed mechanical design using CAD
- Systems engineering activities (e.g., requirement gathering, interface control)
- Hardware integration
- Thermofluid or structural analysis
READY TO LAUNCH?
If you’re a driven engineer with a passion for space exploration, we want to hear from you! Apply now to join Rocket Lab’s Space Systems Propulsion Team and help shape the future of space travel.
🚀 Let’s go to Mars - and beyond!
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.